USC Will Challenge Ohio State in Columbus

The Trojans travel to Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on September 24 to face the Buckeyes.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Soccer

Expressive sports illustration of a women's soccer match, showing athletes in cardinal and scarlet jerseys competing on a field. — The USC Trojans visit the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus on September 24 for a high-stakes women's soccer match. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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USC will play Ohio State in a women's soccer match on September 24, 2026. The Trojans arrive in Columbus seeking their first conference win of the 2026 season.

Why it matters

This match serves as a crucial test for USC as it looks to turn its season around during a pivotal three-game stretch. For Ohio State, the game represents an opportunity to maintain its perfect record at home.

Ohio State holds a 6-1-1 record this season and is undefeated in all five home matches. Conversely, USC arrives with a 1-5-3 record, despite recently holding a 14-7 shot lead in their tie against Oregon.

The players

USC

The University of Southern California women's soccer team is currently working to secure its first conference win of the 2026 season.

Ohio State

The Ohio State University women's soccer team is a highly ranked program that has successfully won all of its home matches this season.

Maya McDermott

She is a member of the USC soccer team who scored her first goal of the 2026 season in the 49th minute against Oregon.

Amanda Schlueter

She is an offensive player for Ohio State who has recorded six goals during the current season.

The details

USC is looking to build on its recent draw against Oregon, where Maya McDermott scored her first goal of the season in the 49th minute. Ohio State, currently ranked No. 8, looks to rebound following a loss to UCLA, supported by Amanda Schlueter, who has scored six goals this season.

Aug. 27, 2026: USC defeated New Mexico State.
Sept. 18, 2026: USC tied Oregon.
Sept. 24, 2026: USC plays Ohio State at 4 p.m.

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Season Trajectory

This game is a pivotal moment for both programs as they navigate the intensity of the conference schedule. The outcome will directly impact USC's effort to reverse its season struggles and Ohio State's standing in the conference rankings.

Ohio State is defending an unblemished record at home, meaning any result for USC would constitute a major shift in conference standings. USC goalkeeper Josie Biehl, who has 29 saves this season, will be tested by an Ohio State attack led by Amanda Schlueter.

The takeaway

Fans should monitor how USC's possession-based play performs against the strong home-field advantage held by Ohio State. The outcome of this match will likely be defined by the efficiency of USC's offense against the high-percentage goaltending of the Buckeyes.

What happens next

USC is scheduled to play Penn State and the University of Washington immediately following the match against Ohio State to round out a critical three-game stretch.